“Stephanie is interested in you,” I whispered, my voice calm but laced with steel. “You’re a smart man; I’m sure you’ve noticed. I know thirty thousand means nothing to you, but let me make this clear, what happened today is the first time and it better be the last.”
The onlookers, oblivious to the tension, mistook our exchange for a romantic moment and erupted in cheers.
Under the weight of my gaze and the nearness of my breath, Harvey’s usually composed demeanor faltered. A flush crept up his cheeks and cracks formed in his steady facade.
He frowned awkwardly, murmuring, “Claudine, don’t do this. What will our subordinates think if they see us? Stephanie and I are strictly superior and subordinate, nothing more. Don’t let your imagination run wild.”
I snorted softly, loosening my grip on his tie.
It would have been easy to humiliate him further, but doing so would tarnish my own reputation.
Satisfied with having made my point, I decided to let the matter rest, at least for that moment.
After all, I had no hard evidence of their ambiguity.
Then, I took his arm and walked to the stage to give an annual summary of that year's brilliant achievements.